Hoyer: America’s Safety Is Threatened by Republicans’ Intransigence

WASHINGTON, DC – House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today after the House of Representatives adjourned without enacting the intelligence reform conference report:

“Today, a handful of extremist House Republicans essentially killed intelligence reform this year that was designed to strengthen America’s national security.

“It’s absolutely stunning that some House Republican leaders are willing to subvert a carefully crafted intelligence reform package at the last minute, even though it is supported by the Members of the 9/11 Commission, the White House, Speaker Dennis Hastert, Senate Democrats and Republicans and House Democrats.

“This episode lays bare the intransigent, my-way-or-the-highway approach that infects this House Republican Majority, which seems to regard any attempt at bipartisan compromise with derision and scorn rather than as an opportunity for real legislative achievement.

“It is clear to all of us that our intelligence capabilities must be reformed and updated to defeat the scourge of terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The Members of the 9/11 Commission repeatedly urged us to act with dispatch, but House Republicans have dragged their feet and scuttled this bipartisan package.

“In the days ahead, House Democrats will continue to fight for reform that ensures our nation is safe and assists the intelligence community in this war on terrorism.”